Siesta Key: Marcia’s Local Expert Tips

People around the world seek out Siesta Key for its incredible sugar white sand beaches. Florida International University professor Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach for his annual ranking of the best U.S. beaches, even ranked Siesta Beach No. 1 in the entire country in 2001. And he just ranked it No. 2 in 2016. Plus Siesta Beach recently took the top U.S. spot on TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice beach awards.

The recent $21.5 million Siesta Beach improvements have made this top beach even better. There are new concession stands with amazing food, restrooms, picnic areas, a playground and best of all, 980 parking spots!

You’ve heard the saying before – “We live where you vacation” – and it’s perhaps the truest for Siesta Key residents. So take the tips in this newsletter and live like a local. I’ve also included some of my new Siesta Key listings below. Why not become a local yourself?

What To Do When You’re Not On The Beach

On April 29 and 30, get your art on at the 39th Annual Siesta Fiesta. You’ll have a ball at this fine art and handmade crafts festival by the beach showcasing 200 artists and craftsmen from around the country. From sculpture and photography to paintings and ceramics, it’s all here.

Mark your calendars now for one of the most unique events in Sarasota – the Siesta Key Crystal Classic – November 10 to 14. There’s nothing like this international sand sculpting festival. You will be blown away by what people are able to create with nothing but sand.

What To Eat When You’re Not On The Beach

If you go in search of some good seafood on the key, look no further than Big Water Fish Market. Another ranking favorite like Siesta Beach, Big Water’s grouper sandwich was voted best sandwich on the island by TripAdvisor in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Plus it was named best grouper sandwich in the whole state of Florida in 2016! (That’s hard to beat.) If you want to dine in or pick up fish to take home, head to Big Water.

You already love Morton’s Gourmet Market on the mainland in Southside Village, so get ready to love Morton’s Siesta Market, too. You’ll find staple grocery items, take-out meals, fresh produce, meats and seafood. Plus, when you’re ready to kick back and enjoy the sunset over the water, they have a great wine and beer selection.

Cevichela is Latin street food at its best. This Siesta Village destination has delicious food bowls, tacos and grab-and-go ceviche. The buzz around town is that you’ve just got to try Chef Darwin Santa Maria’s new restaurant.

Where To Live When You’re Not On The Beach

Oceane is one of the most anticipated developments on Siesta Key. Six exclusive condominiums will make up the enclave, which is within walking distance of Siesta Key Village. Considering a move to the key? Put Oceane on your list. Units start at $3.8 million.

I’m also excited about my latest Siesta Key sales. One is at 9008 Midnight Pass Road, No. 5. This beautiful unit in The Sea Breeze building sold for $1.7 million. I also recently sold a property at 9150 Blind Pass Road, No. 404, in the Fisherman’s Haven building for $437,000.

Right now, I have another listing for sale in The Sea Breeze building for $1.625 million. This three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom unit is 3,700 square feet and you just have to see it.

I’ll leave you with a fun fact: In 2013, I sold one of my listings on Siesta Key for $10 million – the highest sale price ever on the island!

As you can tell, Siesta Key is not only the best place in Sarasota for a beach day, but I might go as far as saying it’s the best place in Sarasota for a beach life. So put on your flip flops and start living the beach life today!